'''Marcel Hirscher''' (born 2 March 1989)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/604/613.html?sector=AL&competitorid=106332&type=result |title=FIS profile |publisher=Fis-ski.com |access-date=18 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101027175251/http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/604/613.html?sector=AL&competitorid=106332&type=result |archive-date=27 October 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> is an Austrian former [[FIS Alpine Ski World Cup|World Cup]] [[Alpine skiing|alpine ski racer]].<ref>https://www.espn.com/olympics/skiing/story/_/id/27537259/olympic-skiing-champion-hirscher-retires-30</ref> Hirscher made his World Cup debut in March 2007. He competed primarily in slalom and giant slalom, as well as combined and occasionally in super G. Winner of a record eight consecutive World Cup titles,<ref>{{cite news|title=Marcel Hirscher writes himself into history books with giant slalom victory|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/winter/alpineskiing/marcel-hirscher-giant-slalom-world-cup-1.4010175|access-date=4 March 2017|agency=The Associated Press|publisher=CBC Sports|date=4 March 2017}}</ref> Hirscher has also won 11 medals at the [[Alpine Skiing World Championships]], seven of them gold, a silver medal in slalom at the [[2014 Winter Olympics]], and two gold medals in the combined and giant slalom at the [[2018 Winter Olympics]]. Due to his record number of overall titles and many years of extreme dominance of both slalom and giant slalom, he is considered by many, including his former rivals [[Henrik Kristoffersen]], [[Kjetil Jansrud]] and [[Alexis Pinturault]], to be one of the best alpine skiers in history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/abrahamson-marcel-hirscher-all-time-best-finally-gets-his-gold|title=Abrahamson: Marcel Hirscher, the all-time best, finally gets his gold|website=nbcolympics.com|access-date=21 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221040713/https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/abrahamson-marcel-hirscher-all-time-best-finally-gets-his-gold|archive-date=21 February 2018|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/the-best-skiers-in-the-world-agree-marcel-hirscher-is-the-best-skier-in-the-world/2018/02/18/0da53dbe-1476-11e8-9065-e55346f6de81_story.html|title=The best skiers in the world agree: Marcel Hirscher is THE best skier in the world|first=Rick|last=Maese|date=18 February 2018|access-date=21 February 2018|via=www.washingtonpost.com}}</ref><ref name=cnn>{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/02/14/sport/marcel-hirscher-profile-skiing-world-cup-world-championships-spt-intl/index.html |title=Marcel Hirscher: The greatest ski racer of all time? |last=Hodgetts |first=Rob |date=18 February 2019 |website=[[cnn.com]] |access-date=8 March 2019}}</ref> He won a total of 67 World Cup races, ranking second in the male all-time list. <ref>{{Cite web|title=Marcel Hirscher|url=https://www.redbull.com/int-en/marcel-hirscher-skiing-career-in-numbers|access-date=2020-12-31|website=www.redbull.com}}</ref>
'''Marcel Hirscher''' (born 2 March 1989)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/604/613.html?sector=AL&competitorid=106332&type=result |title=FIS profile |publisher=Fis-ski.com |access-date=18 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101027175251/http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/604/613.html?sector=AL&competitorid=106332&type=result |archive-date=27 October 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> is an Austrian-Dutch former [[FIS Alpine Ski World Cup|World Cup]] [[Alpine skiing|alpine ski racer]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/skiing/story/_/id/27537259/olympic-skiing-champion-hirscher-retires-30|title = Olympic skiing champion Hirscher retires at 30|date = 4 September 2019}}</ref> Hirscher made his World Cup debut in March 2007. He competed primarily in slalom and giant slalom, as well as combined and occasionally in super G. Winner of a record eight consecutive World Cup titles,<ref>{{cite news|title=Marcel Hirscher writes himself into history books with giant slalom victory|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/winter/alpineskiing/marcel-hirscher-giant-slalom-world-cup-1.4010175|access-date=4 March 2017|agency=The Associated Press|publisher=CBC Sports|date=4 March 2017}}</ref> Hirscher has also won 11 medals at the [[Alpine Skiing World Championships]], seven of them gold, a silver medal in slalom at the [[2014 Winter Olympics]], and two gold medals in the combined and giant slalom at the [[2018 Winter Olympics]]. Due to his record number of overall titles and many years of extreme dominance of both slalom and giant slalom, he is considered by many, including his former rivals [[Henrik Kristoffersen]], [[Kjetil Jansrud]] and [[Alexis Pinturault]], to be the best alpine skier in history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/abrahamson-marcel-hirscher-all-time-best-finally-gets-his-gold|title=Abrahamson: Marcel Hirscher, the all-time best, finally gets his gold|website=nbcolympics.com|access-date=21 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221040713/https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/abrahamson-marcel-hirscher-all-time-best-finally-gets-his-gold|archive-date=21 February 2018|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/the-best-skiers-in-the-world-agree-marcel-hirscher-is-the-best-skier-in-the-world/2018/02/18/0da53dbe-1476-11e8-9065-e55346f6de81_story.html|title=The best skiers in the world agree: Marcel Hirscher is THE best skier in the world|first=Rick|last=Maese|date=18 February 2018|access-date=21 February 2018|via=www.washingtonpost.com}}</ref><ref name=cnn>{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/02/14/sport/marcel-hirscher-profile-skiing-world-cup-world-championships-spt-intl/index.html |title=Marcel Hirscher: The greatest ski racer of all time? |last=Hodgetts |first=Rob |date=18 February 2019 |website=[[cnn.com]] |access-date=8 March 2019}}</ref> He won a total of 67 World Cup races, ranking second on the male all-time list. <ref>{{Cite web|title=Marcel Hirscher|url=https://www.redbull.com/int-en/marcel-hirscher-skiing-career-in-numbers|access-date=2020-12-31|website=www.redbull.com}}</ref>
==Career==
==Career==
At the [[Alpine skiing at the Winter Olympics|2010 Winter Olympics]], Hirscher placed fourth in the [[Alpine skiing at the 2010 Winter Olympics – Men's giant slalom|giant slalom]] and fifth in the [[Alpine skiing at the 2010 Winter Olympics – Men's slalom|slalom]] at [[Whistler Blackcomb#Renewed Olympic bid|Whistler Creekside]]. He placed fourth in the [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2009 – Men's giant slalom|giant slalom]] at the [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2009|2009 World Championships]], but broke his ankle the weekend preceding the [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2011|2011 World Championships]], which ended his [[2011 Alpine Skiing World Cup|2011 season]].<ref>[http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/04122011/58/hirscher-wins-beaver-creek-giant-slalom.html uk.eurosport.yahoo.com] – Hirscher wins Beaver Creek giant slalom – 4 December 2011</ref>
At the [[Alpine skiing at the Winter Olympics|2010 Winter Olympics]], Hirscher placed fourth in the [[Alpine skiing at the 2010 Winter Olympics – Men's giant slalom|giant slalom]] and fifth in the [[Alpine skiing at the 2010 Winter Olympics – Men's slalom|slalom]] at [[Whistler Blackcomb#Renewed Olympic bid|Whistler Creekside]]. He placed fourth in the [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2009 – Men's giant slalom|giant slalom]] at the [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2009|2009 World Championships]], but broke his ankle the weekend preceding the [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2011|2011 World Championships]], which ended his [[2011 Alpine Skiing World Cup|2011 season]].<ref>[http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/04122011/58/hirscher-wins-beaver-creek-giant-slalom.html uk.eurosport.yahoo.com] – Hirscher wins Beaver Creek giant slalom – 4 December 2011</ref>
Returning after injury, Hirscher had an outstanding season in terms of wins in [[2012 Alpine Skiing World Cup|2012]] with 9 victories and a total of 14 podiums, all in the two technical events (except for one third place in the season's last [[Super Giant Slalom skiing|Super G]]). He won the World Cup overall and giant slalom titles, and placed third in the slalom.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/olympics/skiing/story/_/id/7700690/marcel-hirscher-takes-world-cup-overall-title-giant-slalom-win |publisher=ESPN. [[Associated Press]] |title=Marcel Hirscher wins overall title |date=17 March 2012 |access-date=21 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100919025443/http://espn.go.com/olympics/skiing/story/_/id/7700690/marcel-hirscher-takes-world-cup-overall-title-giant-slalom-win |archive-date=19 September 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Returning after injury, Hirscher had an outstanding season in terms of wins in [[2012 Alpine Skiing World Cup|2012]], with 9 victories and a total of 14 podiums, all in the two technical events (except for one third place in the season's last [[super-G]]). He won the World Cup overall and giant slalom titles, and placed third in the slalom.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/skiing/story/_/id/7700690/marcel-hirscher-takes-world-cup-overall-title-giant-slalom-win |publisher=ESPN. [[Associated Press]] |title=Marcel Hirscher wins overall title |date=17 March 2012 |access-date=21 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100919025443/http://espn.go.com/olympics/skiing/story/_/id/7700690/marcel-hirscher-takes-world-cup-overall-title-giant-slalom-win |archive-date=19 September 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In October 2012, Hirscher was awarded the Skieur d'Or Award<ref>{{cite web
In October 2012, Hirscher was awarded the Skieur d'Or Award<ref>{{cite web
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}}</ref> by members of the International Association of Ski Journalists for his performances during the previous season.
}}</ref> by members of the International Association of Ski Journalists for his performances during the previous season.
[[File:Marcel Hirscher EC-GS Hinterstoder 20080111.jpg|thumb|300x300px|Hirscher in [[Hinterstoder]] on 11 January 2008]]
[[File:Marcel Hirscher EC-GS Hinterstoder 20080111.jpg|thumb|300x300px|Hirscher in [[Hinterstoder]] on 11 January 2008]]
Hirscher won the overall World Cup title again in [[2013 Alpine Skiing World Cup|2013]] with 6 victories; he also won the slalom title and was runner-up in giant slalom.<ref>{{cite news|title=Alpine skiing: Hirscher assured of overall World Cup |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-alpine-skiing-finals-idUSBRE92C0S520130314 |author=Manuele Lang |agency=[[Reuters]] |date=14 March 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100919025443/https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/14/us-alpine-skiing-finals-idUSBRE92C0S520130314 |archive-date=19 September 2010 }}</ref> Hirscher scored a total of 18 podium finishes out of 19 races in the two technical events. The only race in either slalom or giant slalom where he finished outside the top 3 was the giant slalom in Adelboden. In that particular race Hirscher was leading after the first run, built up his advantage to over a second in the second run, but nearly fell several gates before the final, thus missing the win and finished only 16th. He became the first male racer to retain the overall World Cup title since fellow Austrian [[Stephan Eberharter]] in [[2002 Alpine Skiing World Cup|2002]] and [[2003 Alpine Skiing World Cup|2003]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/disciplines/alpine-skiing/fisworldcup.html |title=Alpine Skiing |publisher=Fis-Ski |date=14 March 2014 |access-date=18 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017001648/http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/disciplines/alpine-skiing/fisworldcup.html |archive-date=17 October 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and the first to win it three years in a row since American [[Phil Mahre]] did so in [[1981 Alpine Skiing World Cup|1981]], [[1982 Alpine Skiing World Cup|1982]] and [[1983 Alpine Skiing World Cup|1983]].
Hirscher won the overall World Cup title again in [[2013 Alpine Skiing World Cup|2013]] with 6 victories; he also won the slalom title and was runner-up in giant slalom.<ref>{{cite news|title=Alpine skiing: Hirscher assured of overall World Cup |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-alpine-skiing-finals-idUSBRE92C0S520130314 |author=Manuele Lang |work=[[Reuters]] |date=14 March 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100919025443/https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/14/us-alpine-skiing-finals-idUSBRE92C0S520130314 |archive-date=19 September 2010 }}</ref> Hirscher scored a total of 18 podium finishes out of 19 races in the two technical events. The only race in either slalom or giant slalom where he finished outside the top 3 was the giant slalom in Adelboden. In that particular race Hirscher was leading after the first run, built up his advantage to over a second in the second run, but nearly fell several gates before the final, thus missing the win and finished only 16th. He became the first male racer to retain the overall World Cup title since fellow Austrian [[Stephan Eberharter]] in [[2002 Alpine Skiing World Cup|2002]] and [[2003 Alpine Skiing World Cup|2003]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/disciplines/alpine-skiing/fisworldcup.html |title=Alpine Skiing |publisher=Fis-Ski |date=14 March 2014 |access-date=18 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017001648/http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/disciplines/alpine-skiing/fisworldcup.html |archive-date=17 October 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and the first to win it three years in a row since American [[Phil Mahre]] did so in [[1981 Alpine Skiing World Cup|1981]], [[1982 Alpine Skiing World Cup|1982]] and [[1983 Alpine Skiing World Cup|1983]].
In [[2015 Alpine Skiing World Cup|2015]], Hirscher dominated the giant slalom standings with 5 wins, including a winning margin of 3.28 seconds in Garmisch,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skiracing.com/stories/the-hirscher-show-at-garmisch-gs-wins-by-over-3-seconds/ |title=The Hirscher show at Garmisch GS|publisher=Ski Racing.com|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-date=22 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322172627/http://www.skiracing.com/stories/the-hirscher-show-at-garmisch-gs-wins-by-over-3-seconds/}}</ref> and won the GS title for the second time. With his slalom win in Zagreb<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skiracing.com/stories/hirscher-makes-it-hat-trick-zagreb/ |title=Hirscher makes it a hat trick in Zagreb|publisher=Ski Racing.com|archive-date=22 March 2015|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322173817/http://www.skiracing.com/stories/hirscher-makes-it-hat-trick-zagreb/}}</ref> he became the most successful Austrian male World Cup slalom skier surpassing [[Benjamin Raich]]. In the final race of the season in Meribel he overturned a 55-point deficit in the standings by winning his 16th World Cup slalom, and with it won the slalom title for the third year in a row.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skiracing.com/stories/hirscher-skis-for-win-globe-over-neureuther-in-meribel// |title=Hirscher skis for win, globe over Neureuther in Meribel|publisher=Ski Racing.com|archive-date=22 March 2015|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322181609/http://www.skiracing.com/stories/hirscher-skis-for-win-globe-over-neureuther-in-meribel/}}</ref> Hirscher became the first male alpine skier to win the overall World Cup title four times in a row.
In [[2015 Alpine Skiing World Cup|2015]], Hirscher dominated the giant slalom standings with 5 wins, including a winning margin of 3.28 seconds in Garmisch,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skiracing.com/stories/the-hirscher-show-at-garmisch-gs-wins-by-over-3-seconds/ |title=The Hirscher show at Garmisch GS|date=March 2015|publisher=Ski Racing.com|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-date=22 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322172627/http://www.skiracing.com/stories/the-hirscher-show-at-garmisch-gs-wins-by-over-3-seconds/}}</ref> and won the GS title for the second time. With his slalom win in Zagreb<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skiracing.com/stories/hirscher-makes-it-hat-trick-zagreb/ |title=Hirscher makes it a hat trick in Zagreb|date=6 January 2015|publisher=Ski Racing.com|archive-date=22 March 2015|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322173817/http://www.skiracing.com/stories/hirscher-makes-it-hat-trick-zagreb/}}</ref> he became the most successful Austrian male World Cup slalom skier surpassing [[Benjamin Raich]]. In the final race of the season in Meribel he overturned a 55-point deficit in the standings by winning his 16th World Cup slalom, and with it won the slalom title for the third year in a row.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skiracing.com/stories/hirscher-skis-for-win-globe-over-neureuther-in-meribel// |title=Hirscher skis for win, globe over Neureuther in Meribel|date=22 March 2015|publisher=Ski Racing.com|archive-date=22 March 2015|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322181609/http://www.skiracing.com/stories/hirscher-skis-for-win-globe-over-neureuther-in-meribel/}}</ref> Hirscher became the first male alpine skier to win the overall World Cup title four times in a row.
{{Quote box
{{Quote box
| quote = [[File:20131011 HIRSCHER MARCEL Einkleidung (3).jpg|150px|right]] ''It's incredible how many emotions you feel when crossing the finish line and seeing that you are No. 1.''
| quote = [[File:20131011 HIRSCHER MARCEL Einkleidung (3).jpg|150px|right]] ''It's incredible how many emotions you feel when crossing the finish line and seeing that you are No. 1.''
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[[File:Marcel Hirscher IllekJPG.jpeg|thumb|300x300px|Hirscher in February 2017 ([[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2017]])]]
[[File:Marcel Hirscher IllekJPG.jpeg|thumb|300x300px|Hirscher in February 2017 ([[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2017]])]]
In [[2016 Alpine Skiing World Cup|2016]], Hirscher became the most successful Austrian male World Cup GS skier by winning in [[Beaver Creek, Colorado]], surpassing [[Benjamin Raich]] and [[Hermann Maier]]. With his GS win in [[Alta Badia]], Italy (his 3rd consecutive win at that venue), he became Austria's most successful World Cup GS skier overtaking [[Annemarie Moser-Pröll]]. Another GS win in [[Kranjska Gora, Slovenia]] confirmed Hirscher as the GS title winner with one race to go. To wrap up an amazing season with 8 wins and 19 podiums Hirscher also won the men's overall World Cup title, his 5th consecutive overall title, a feat never before achieved by a male skier. His points total also enabled Austria to narrowly beat France in the men's nations cup by 201 points, the narrowest winning margin for many years. Hirscher was the only Austrian male skier to win a race in the entire season, and scored 30.9% (1795 out of 5804) of the Austrian men's nations cup points.
In [[2016 Alpine Skiing World Cup|2016]], Hirscher became the most successful Austrian male World Cup GS skier by winning in [[Beaver Creek, Colorado]], surpassing [[Benjamin Raich]] and [[Hermann Maier]]. With his GS win in [[Alta Badia]], Italy (his 3rd consecutive win at that venue), he became [[Austria national alpine ski team|Austria]]'s most successful World Cup GS skier overtaking [[Annemarie Moser-Pröll]]. Another GS win in [[Kranjska Gora, Slovenia]] confirmed Hirscher as the GS title winner with one race to go. To wrap up an amazing season with 8 wins and 19 podiums Hirscher also won the men's overall World Cup title, his 5th consecutive overall title, a feat never before achieved by a male skier. His points total also enabled Austria to narrowly beat France in the men's nations cup by 201 points, the narrowest winning margin for many years. Hirscher was the only Austrian male skier to win a race in the entire season, and scored 30.9% (1,795 out of 5,804) of the Austrian men's nations cup points.
On 13 November in [[Levi, Finland]], Hirscher won the first slalom of the [[2017 Alpine Skiing World Cup|2017]] season and equalled [[Pirmin Zurbriggen]]'s win total of 40, putting him equal 5th in the standings. He also achieved his 93rd podium, surpassing [[Benjamin Raich]]'s total. On 18 December he won the fourth giant slalom of the season in [[Alta Badia]] having finished second in the three preceding giant slalom races, equalling [[Alberto Tomba]]'s 4 wins at the venue, and with it became the 5th most successful male World Cup winner. On 7 January Hirscher achieved his 100th podium from 191 starts (a ratio of 52.3%) with a 2nd-place finish in the giant slalom in [[Adelboden]]. On 29 January Hirscher won the GS in [[Garmisch]], achieving his 20th GS and 43rd World Cup win, and with it attained Austria's 100th GS win for men.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.skiracing.com/stories/hirscher-takes-extraordinary-win-in-garmisch-gs |title=Hirscher takes extraordinary win in Garmisch GS {{!}} Skiracing.com |website=www.skiracing.com |access-date=29 January 2017 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129153309/http://www.skiracing.com/stories/hirscher-takes-extraordinary-win-in-garmisch-gs |archive-date=29 January 2017 }}</ref>
On 13 November in [[Levi, Finland]], Hirscher won the first slalom of the [[2017 Alpine Skiing World Cup|2017]] season and equalled [[Pirmin Zurbriggen]]'s win total of 40, putting him equal 5th in the standings. He also achieved his 93rd podium, surpassing [[Benjamin Raich]]'s total. On 18 December he won the fourth giant slalom of the season in [[Alta Badia]] having finished second in the three preceding giant slalom races, equalling [[Alberto Tomba]]'s 4 wins at the venue, and with it became the 5th most successful male World Cup winner. On 7 January Hirscher achieved his 100th podium from 191 starts (a ratio of 52.3%) with a 2nd-place finish in the giant slalom in [[Adelboden]]. On 29 January Hirscher won the GS in [[Garmisch]], achieving his 20th GS and 43rd World Cup win, and with it attained Austria's 100th GS win for men.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.skiracing.com/stories/hirscher-takes-extraordinary-win-in-garmisch-gs |title=Hirscher takes extraordinary win in Garmisch GS {{!}} Skiracing.com |website=www.skiracing.com |date=29 January 2017 |access-date=29 January 2017 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129153309/http://www.skiracing.com/stories/hirscher-takes-extraordinary-win-in-garmisch-gs |archive-date=29 January 2017 }}</ref>
At the [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2017]] in [[St. Moritz]], Switzerland Hirscher won gold in the GS and slalom, and silver in the combined, missing the gold by just 0.01 seconds. He was the most successful athlete at the championships.
At the [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2017]] in [[St. Moritz]], Switzerland Hirscher won gold in the GS and slalom, and silver in the combined, missing the gold by just 0.01 seconds. He was the most successful athlete at the championships.
On 4 March in [[Kranjska Gora, Slovenia]], Hirscher won his third GS race of the season and with it secured his 4th GS World Cup title and his 6th overall World Cup title; the only male skier in history to do so.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/af74b8a5aa6e48a88b86132e4e15bb97|title=Hirscher overwhelmed by record 6th overall World Cup title|access-date=21 February 2018}}</ref> One day later Hirscher finished fourth in the slalom and with it secured his fourth World Cup slalom title.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/gross-leads-slalom-world-cup-hirscher-poised-title-45920157|title=ABC News|first=ABC|last=News|website=ABC News|access-date=21 February 2018}}</ref>
On 4 March in [[Kranjska Gora, Slovenia]], Hirscher won his third GS race of the season and with it secured his 4th GS World Cup title and his 6th overall World Cup title; the only male skier in history to do so.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/af74b8a5aa6e48a88b86132e4e15bb97|title=Hirscher overwhelmed by record 6th overall World Cup title|date=4 March 2017|access-date=21 February 2018}}</ref> One day later Hirscher finished fourth in the slalom and with it secured his fourth World Cup slalom title.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/gross-leads-slalom-world-cup-hirscher-poised-title-45920157|title=ABC News|website=ABC News|access-date=21 February 2018}}</ref>
The start of the [[2018 Alpine Skiing World Cup|2018]] season was expected to be more difficult as Hirscher suffered a fracture to his left ankle during the first day of snow training on 17 August. Fortunately the first race of the season in [[Sölden]] was cancelled due to high winds, giving Hirscher a few more weeks to recover. He made a last minute decision to race the slalom in [[Levi, Finland|Levi]] on 12 November and achieved a 17th-place finish. The next technical race was the GS in [[Val-d'Isère|Val d'Isère]] on 9 December and Hirscher came 3rd. He won the slalom the next day.
The start of the [[2018 Alpine Skiing World Cup|2018]] season was expected to be more difficult as Hirscher suffered a fracture to his left ankle during the first day of snow training on 17 August. Fortunately the first race of the season in [[Sölden]] was cancelled due to high winds, giving Hirscher a few more weeks to recover. He made a last minute decision to race the slalom in [[Levi, Finland|Levi]] on 12 November and achieved a 17th-place finish. The next technical race was the GS in [[Val-d'Isère|Val d'Isère]] on 9 December and Hirscher came 3rd. He won the slalom the next day.
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At the [[2018 Winter Olympics|2018]] Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, Hirscher won gold in the men's [[Alpine skiing at the 2018 Winter Olympics – Men's combined|combined event]], his first competition of the games.
At the [[2018 Winter Olympics|2018]] Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, Hirscher won gold in the men's [[Alpine skiing at the 2018 Winter Olympics – Men's combined|combined event]], his first competition of the games.
The win was not expected, as he had done little downhill training as a result of the pre season ankle injury.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/13/sports/olympics/marcel-hirscher-gold-alpine-skiing.html|title=Marcel Hirscher of Austria Grabs Elusive Gold Medal|date=13 February 2018|work=New York Times|access-date=14 February 2018}}</ref> 5 days later he went on to win gold in the [[Alpine skiing at the 2018 Winter Olympics – Men's giant slalom|GS]] by 1.27 seconds, the biggest winning margin in Olympic GS since the 1968 Winter Olympics.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/17/sports/olympics/skiing-giant-slalom-marcel-hirscher.html|title=Giant Slalom: Marcel Hirscher Easily Wins 2nd Olympic Gold Medal|date=18 February 2018|work=New York Times|access-date=19 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/18/sport/marcel-hirscher-giant-slalom-intl/index.html|title=Marcel Hirscher makes Olympic history with second gold|date=18 February 2018|work=CNN|access-date=19 February 2018}}</ref>
The win was not expected, as he had done little downhill training as a result of the pre season ankle injury.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/13/sports/olympics/marcel-hirscher-gold-alpine-skiing.html|title=Marcel Hirscher of Austria Grabs Elusive Gold Medal|date=13 February 2018|work=New York Times|access-date=14 February 2018}}</ref> 5 days later he went on to win gold in the [[Alpine skiing at the 2018 Winter Olympics – Men's giant slalom|GS]] by 1.27 seconds, the biggest winning margin in Olympic GS since the 1968 Winter Olympics.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/17/sports/olympics/skiing-giant-slalom-marcel-hirscher.html|title=Giant slalom: Marcel Hirscher Easily Wins 2nd Olympic Gold Medal|date=18 February 2018|work=New York Times|access-date=19 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/18/sport/marcel-hirscher-giant-slalom-intl/index.html|title=Marcel Hirscher makes Olympic history with second gold|date=18 February 2018|work=CNN|access-date=19 February 2018}}</ref>
Following the Olympics, the World Cup technical races resumed in [[Kranjska Gora, Slovenia]] on 3 March with the GS. Hirscher secured the GS crystal globe for the 5th time by winning the race with a winning margin of 1.66 seconds. The following day, Hirscher also won the slalom with a winning margin of 1.22 seconds. As a result, he also won the slalom crystal globe for the 5th time, and the overall crystal globe for the seventh time in succession with 2 technical races remaining. His Olympic gold medals plus the additional crystal globes enabled him to reach the top of the standings in the greatest alpine skiers of all time [[FIS Alpine Ski World Cup#Men's super ranking|men's super ranking]]. At the end of the slalom race, Hirscher said on Austrian television that he would go home "and consider where the journey will go. I don't know if I will be skiing World Cup next season".
Following the Olympics, the World Cup technical races resumed in [[Kranjska Gora, Slovenia]] on 3 March with the GS. Hirscher secured the GS crystal globe for the 5th time by winning the race with a winning margin of 1.66 seconds. The following day, Hirscher also won the slalom with a winning margin of 1.22 seconds. As a result, he also won the slalom crystal globe for the 5th time, and the overall crystal globe for the seventh time in succession with 2 technical races remaining. His Olympic gold medals plus the additional crystal globes enabled him to reach the top of the standings in the greatest alpine skiers of all time [[FIS Alpine Ski World Cup#Men's|men's super ranking]]. At the end of the slalom race, Hirscher said on Austrian television that he would go home "and consider where the journey will go. I don't know if I will be skiing World Cup next season".
At the World Cup finals in [[Åre]], Hirscher won the GS race on 17 March and equaled the record of most wins in a single season: he shares the record of 13 wins with alpine skiing legends [[Ingemar Stenmark]] and [[Hermann Maier]]. Unfortunately, the following day the slalom race was cancelled due to high winds, denying Hirscher the opportunity to obtain the record outright. Hirscher has started 245 World Cup races, has won 67 of them, (a ratio of 27%) has achieved 138 podiums (a ratio of 56%) and has finished 73% of his races in the Top 10.<ref>https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/athlete-biography.html?sectorcode=AL&competitorid=106332&type=career</ref>
At the World Cup finals in [[Åre]], Hirscher won the GS race on 17 March and equaled the record of most wins in a single season: he shares the record of 13 wins with alpine skiing legends [[Ingemar Stenmark]] and [[Hermann Maier]]. Unfortunately, the following day the slalom race was cancelled due to high winds, denying Hirscher the opportunity to obtain the record outright. Hirscher has started 245 World Cup races, has won 67 of them, (a ratio of 27%) has achieved 138 podiums (a ratio of 56%) and has finished 73% of his races in the Top 10.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/athlete-biography.html?sectorcode=AL&competitorid=106332&type=career|title = HIRSCHER Marcel - Athlete Information}}</ref>
In December 2018 Hirscher became Austria's most prolific World Cup race winner when he won a slalom in [[Saalbach-Hinterglemm]] in his native [[Salzburg (state)|state of Salzburg]], his 63rd World Cup victory, taking him past the previous record holder [[Annemarie Moser-Pröll]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://olympics.nbcsports.com/tag/marcel-hirscher/ |title=Marcel Hirscher becomes Austria's most decorated World Cup skier |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=20 December 2018 |website=[[NBCSports.com]]|access-date=28 December 2018}}</ref> He took a total of 14 World Cup wins in 2018, breaking the previous record for most World Cup race wins in a single calendar year set by [[Ingemar Stenmark]], but was eclipsed by [[Mikaela Shiffrin]], who set a new record by winning 15 World Cup events during 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.apnews.com/b88b9757373c420189af6479ef348b3d |title=American Mikaela Shiffrin wins record 36th World Cup slalom |last=Willemsen |first=Eric |date=29 December 2018 |website=[[APNews.com]] |access-date=29 December 2018}}</ref> He was named as a [[L'Équipe Champion of Champions|''L'Équipe'' Champion of Champions]] for 2018, as well as [[Eurosport]]'s Sportsman of the Year.<ref name=cnn />
In December 2018 Hirscher became Austria's most prolific World Cup race winner when he won a slalom in [[Saalbach-Hinterglemm]] in his native [[Salzburg (state)|state of Salzburg]], his 63rd World Cup victory, taking him past the previous record holder [[Annemarie Moser-Pröll]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://olympics.nbcsports.com/tag/marcel-hirscher/ |title=Marcel Hirscher becomes Austria's most decorated World Cup skier |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=20 December 2018 |website=[[NBCSports.com]]|access-date=28 December 2018}}</ref> He took a total of 14 World Cup wins in 2018, breaking the previous record for most World Cup race wins in a single calendar year set by [[Ingemar Stenmark]], but was eclipsed by [[Mikaela Shiffrin]], who set a new record by winning 15 World Cup events during 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.apnews.com/b88b9757373c420189af6479ef348b3d |title=American Mikaela Shiffrin wins record 36th World Cup slalom |last=Willemsen |first=Eric |date=29 December 2018 |website=[[APNews.com]] |access-date=29 December 2018}}</ref> He was named as a [[L'Équipe Champion of Champions|''L'Équipe'' Champion of Champions]] for 2018, as well as [[Eurosport]]'s Sportsman of the Year.<ref name=cnn />
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On 13 January 2019 he won the slalom race in [[Adelboden]] and celebrated a 9th World Cup win and a 16th podium, a record among male athletes at a single resort.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/hirscher-sets-world-cup-record-162243219.html|title=Hirscher sets World Cup record with ninth Adelboden victory|date=13 January 2019|work=uk.sports.yahoo.com}}</ref> At the [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2019|2019 Alpine World Ski Championships]] in Åre in February, Hirscher took a silver in the [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2019 – Men's giant slalom|giant slalom]] behind Henrik Kristoffersen, before winning the [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2019 – Men's slalom|slalom]] by 0.65 seconds after holding a 0.56 second lead from the first run: Hirscher described his first run as one of the best performances of his career. He led teammates [[Michael Matt]] and [[Marco Schwarz]] in a clean sweep of the podium places, taking Austria's only gold of the championships, and preventing them from leaving a Worlds without a gold medal for the first time since [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 1987|1987]]. It was Hirscher's seventh World Championship gold, tying him with compatriot [[Toni Sailer]] for the record number of Worlds golds won. Hirscher subsequently told the media that he would assess his future at the end of the season, but also stated that he thought that these were his last Worlds.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.apnews.com/62a579325556472091db3193f8aeb1d2 |title=The Latest: Hirscher says he's likely skied in last worlds |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=17 February 2019 |website=[[APNews.com]]|access-date=8 March 2019}}</ref>
On 13 January 2019 he won the slalom race in [[Adelboden]] and celebrated a 9th World Cup win and a 16th podium, a record among male athletes at a single resort.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/hirscher-sets-world-cup-record-162243219.html|title=Hirscher sets World Cup record with ninth Adelboden victory|date=13 January 2019|work=uk.sports.yahoo.com}}</ref> At the [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2019|2019 Alpine World Ski Championships]] in Åre in February, Hirscher took a silver in the [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2019 – Men's giant slalom|giant slalom]] behind Henrik Kristoffersen, before winning the [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2019 – Men's slalom|slalom]] by 0.65 seconds after holding a 0.56 second lead from the first run: Hirscher described his first run as one of the best performances of his career. He led teammates [[Michael Matt]] and [[Marco Schwarz]] in a clean sweep of the podium places, taking Austria's only gold of the championships, and preventing them from leaving a Worlds without a gold medal for the first time since [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 1987|1987]]. It was Hirscher's seventh World Championship gold, tying him with compatriot [[Toni Sailer]] for the record number of Worlds golds won. Hirscher subsequently told the media that he would assess his future at the end of the season, but also stated that he thought that these were his last Worlds.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.apnews.com/62a579325556472091db3193f8aeb1d2 |title=The Latest: Hirscher says he's likely skied in last worlds |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=17 February 2019 |website=[[APNews.com]]|access-date=8 March 2019}}</ref>
On 4 September 2019, Marcel Hirscher announced his retirement from alpine skiing.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.eurosport.com/alpine-skiing/skiing-legend-marcel-hirscher-confirms-retirement_sto7441599/story.shtml|title=Skiing legend Marcel Hirscher confirms retirement|newspaper=Eurosport|language=en|author=Pete Sharland|date=4 September 2019|access-date=4 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/04/sport/marcel-hirscher-skiing-retirement-2019-spt-intl/|title=Austrian ski racing great Marcel Hirscher retires|newspaper=CNN|language=en|author=Rob Hodgetts|date=4 September 2019|access-date=4 September 2019}}</ref> After his retirement, Hirscher was a presenter for an Austrian TV show.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Marcel Hirscher: What the Ski Superstar Does After the End of His Career|url=https://www.ispo.com/en/people/marcel-hirscher-what-ski-superstar-does-after-end-his-career|access-date=2020-12-31|website=www.ispo.com|language=en}}</ref> Despite videos of him training in a racing suit that circulated in December 2020, Hirscher insisted that he was not returning to competitive skiing.<ref>{{Cite web|last=admin|title=Marcel Hirscher rules out a comeback: “Absolutely no chance”|url=https://www.de24.news/en/2020/12/marcel-hirscher-rules-out-a-comeback-absolutely-no-chance.html|access-date=2020-12-31|language=en-US}}</ref>
On 4 September 2019, Marcel Hirscher announced his retirement from alpine skiing.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.eurosport.com/alpine-skiing/skiing-legend-marcel-hirscher-confirms-retirement_sto7441599/story.shtml|title=Skiing legend Marcel Hirscher confirms retirement|newspaper=Eurosport|language=en|author=Pete Sharland|date=4 September 2019|access-date=4 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/04/sport/marcel-hirscher-skiing-retirement-2019-spt-intl/|title=Austrian ski racing great Marcel Hirscher retires|newspaper=CNN|language=en|author=Rob Hodgetts|date=4 September 2019|access-date=4 September 2019}}</ref> After his retirement, Hirscher was a presenter for an Austrian TV show.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Marcel Hirscher: What the Ski Superstar Does After the End of His Career|url=https://www.ispo.com/en/people/marcel-hirscher-what-ski-superstar-does-after-end-his-career|access-date=2020-12-31|website=www.ispo.com|language=en|archive-date=17 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217055645/https://www.ispo.com/en/people/marcel-hirscher-what-ski-superstar-does-after-end-his-career|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite videos of him training in a racing suit that circulated in December 2020, Hirscher insisted that he was not returning to competitive skiing.<ref>{{Cite web|last=admin|title=Marcel Hirscher rules out a comeback: "Absolutely no chance"|url=https://www.de24.news/en/2020/12/marcel-hirscher-rules-out-a-comeback-absolutely-no-chance.html|access-date=2020-12-31|language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2021 Hirscher developed and launched a brand of skis called Van Deer, that was later renamed to Van Deer-Red Bull in a partnership with [[Red Bull]]. The brand debuted competitively in the [[2022–23 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup|2022–23 World Cup season]], however due to the involvement of Red Bull in the new brand logo, there is currently an ongoing dispute between [[International Ski Federation|FIS]] and Van Deer-Red Bull about representing the brand in the official entries and results, and the brand logo is covered up by black tape during the events.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Van Deer-Red Bull logo disagreement|url=https://skiracing.com/van-deer-red-bull-logo-disagreement/|newspaper=Ski Racing|language=en|author=Bente Bjørnsen Sherlock|date=26 October 2022|access-date=2023-01-20}}</ref> Despite the disagreement, Hirscher's brand has quickly achieved success with former rival Henrik Kristoffersen, who scored a podium in the opening race at Sölden using the skis and earned Van Deer-Red Bull's first victory in Garmisch-Partenkirchen later in the season.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kristoffersen wins on Van Deer; Winters 11th|url=https://skiracing.com/kristoffersen-wins-on-van-deer-winters-11th/|newspaper=Ski Racing|language=en|date=4 January 2023|access-date=2023-01-20}}</ref>
On 24 April 2024 Hirscher announced he's planning a comeback to the FIS Alpine World Cup circuit competing for the Netherlands.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hirscher-Comeback: ÖSV stimmt Nationenwechsel zu |url=https://www.skiaustria.at/de/news/hirscher-comeback-oesv-stimmt-nationenwechsel-zu |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=www.skiaustria.at |language=de}}</ref>
Hirscher is a dual citizen of the Netherlands and Austria as he was born to a Dutch mother Sylvia (nee De Vlieg) and an Austrian father Ferdinand who met on a ski holiday in Austria.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schneemann |first=Julia |date=2024-04-24 |title=Marcel Hirscher Planning Comeback to FIS Alpine World Cup Under Dutch Flag |url=https://snowbrains.com/marcel-hirscher-planning-comeback-to-fis-alpine-world-cup-under-dutch-flag/ |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=SnowBrains |language=en-US}}</ref>
In June 2018, Hirscher married Laura Moisl, his longtime girlfriend. On 7 October 2018, they celebrated the birth of their first child, a son.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hirscher laut Medienberichten erstmals Vater geworden|periodical=Tt.com|url=http://www.tt.com/sport/wintersport/14890217-91/hirscher-laut-medienberichten-erstmals-vater-geworden.csp|access-date=2018-10-07|date=2018-10-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Die "First Lady" des Skisports|periodical=Weekend.at|url=http://www.weekend.at/entertainment/laura-moisl-interview/33.690.491|access-date=2018-10-07|last=Katharina Freidl|date=2017-01-17}}</ref> On 1 August 2021, the Austrian newspaper ''[[Kronen Zeitung]]'' reported that the couple, bynow the parents of two children, had separated after twelve years together.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.krone.at/2475554 |title=Liebes-Aus! Laura und Marcel Hirscher trennen sich |work=[[Kronen Zeitung]] |date=2021-08-01 |accessdate=2021-08-03}}</ref>
In June 2018, Hirscher married Laura Moisl, his long-time girlfriend. On 7 October 2018, they celebrated the birth of their first child, a son.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hirscher laut Medienberichten erstmals Vater geworden|periodical=Tt.com|url=http://www.tt.com/sport/wintersport/14890217-91/hirscher-laut-medienberichten-erstmals-vater-geworden.csp|access-date=2018-10-07|date=2018-10-07|archive-date=7 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007223059/http://www.tt.com/sport/wintersport/14890217-91/hirscher-laut-medienberichten-erstmals-vater-geworden.csp|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Die "First Lady" des Skisports|periodical=Weekend.at|url=http://www.weekend.at/entertainment/laura-moisl-interview/33.690.491|access-date=2018-10-07|last=Katharina Freidl|date=2017-01-17}}</ref> On 1 August 2021, the Austrian newspaper ''[[Kronen Zeitung]]'' reported that the couple, who have two children together, had separated after twelve years.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.krone.at/2475554 |title=Liebes-Aus! Laura und Marcel Hirscher trennen sich |work=[[Kronen Zeitung]] |date=2021-08-01 |accessdate=2021-08-03}}</ref>
==See also==
==See also==
*[[FIS Alpine Ski World Cup#Most podiums and Top10 results|Ski World Cup Most podiums & Top 10 results]]
*[[FIS Alpine Ski World Cup#Most podiums and top ten results|Ski World Cup Most podiums & Top 10 results]]
==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
* {{sports links}}
{{commons category-inline|Marcel Hirscher}}
*{{FIS alpine skier}}
*[https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/athlete-biography.html?sectorcode=AL&competitorid=106332&type=cups Marcel Hirscher] World Cup standings at the International Ski Federation
*[https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/athlete-biography.html?sectorcode=AL&competitorid=106332&type=cups Marcel Hirscher] World Cup standings at the International Ski Federation
*{{Ski-DB|marcel_hirscher_aut_53831}}
*{{Ski-DB|marcel_hirscher_aut_53831}}
*{{SR/Olympics profile}}
*{{official website}}
*{{official website}}
*[http://www.oesv.at/leistungssport/skialpin/athleten.php?CMD=BIO&COMPID=106332&nopic=0 Austrian Ski team (ÖSV)] – official site – Marcel Hirscher – ''{{in lang|de}}''
*[http://www.oesv.at/leistungssport/skialpin/athleten.php?CMD=BIO&COMPID=106332&nopic=0 Austrian Ski team (ÖSV)] – official site – Marcel Hirscher – ''{{in lang|de}}''
Marcel Hirscher (born 2 March 1989)[1] is an Austrian-Dutch former World Cupalpine ski racer.[2] Hirscher made his World Cup debut in March 2007. He competed primarily in slalom and giant slalom, as well as combined and occasionally in super G. Winner of a record eight consecutive World Cup titles,[3] Hirscher has also won 11 medals at the Alpine Skiing World Championships, seven of them gold, a silver medal in slalom at the 2014 Winter Olympics, and two gold medals in the combined and giant slalom at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Due to his record number of overall titles and many years of extreme dominance of both slalom and giant slalom, he is considered by many, including his former rivals Henrik Kristoffersen, Kjetil Jansrud and Alexis Pinturault, to be the best alpine skier in history.[4][5][6] He won a total of 67 World Cup races, ranking second on the male all-time list. [7]
Returning after injury, Hirscher had an outstanding season in terms of wins in 2012, with 9 victories and a total of 14 podiums, all in the two technical events (except for one third place in the season's last super-G). He won the World Cup overall and giant slalom titles, and placed third in the slalom.[9]
In October 2012, Hirscher was awarded the Skieur d'Or Award[10] by members of the International Association of Ski Journalists for his performances during the previous season.
Hirscher won the overall World Cup title again in 2013 with 6 victories; he also won the slalom title and was runner-up in giant slalom.[11] Hirscher scored a total of 18 podium finishes out of 19 races in the two technical events. The only race in either slalom or giant slalom where he finished outside the top 3 was the giant slalom in Adelboden. In that particular race Hirscher was leading after the first run, built up his advantage to over a second in the second run, but nearly fell several gates before the final, thus missing the win and finished only 16th. He became the first male racer to retain the overall World Cup title since fellow Austrian Stephan Eberharter in 2002 and 2003[12] and the first to win it three years in a row since American Phil Mahre did so in 1981, 1982 and 1983.
In 2015, Hirscher dominated the giant slalom standings with 5 wins, including a winning margin of 3.28 seconds in Garmisch,[13] and won the GS title for the second time. With his slalom win in Zagreb[14] he became the most successful Austrian male World Cup slalom skier surpassing Benjamin Raich. In the final race of the season in Meribel he overturned a 55-point deficit in the standings by winning his 16th World Cup slalom, and with it won the slalom title for the third year in a row.[15] Hirscher became the first male alpine skier to win the overall World Cup title four times in a row.
It's incredible how many emotions you feel when crossing the finish line and seeing that you are No. 1.
In 2016, Hirscher became the most successful Austrian male World Cup GS skier by winning in Beaver Creek, Colorado, surpassing Benjamin Raich and Hermann Maier. With his GS win in Alta Badia, Italy (his 3rd consecutive win at that venue), he became Austria's most successful World Cup GS skier overtaking Annemarie Moser-Pröll. Another GS win in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia confirmed Hirscher as the GS title winner with one race to go. To wrap up an amazing season with 8 wins and 19 podiums Hirscher also won the men's overall World Cup title, his 5th consecutive overall title, a feat never before achieved by a male skier. His points total also enabled Austria to narrowly beat France in the men's nations cup by 201 points, the narrowest winning margin for many years. Hirscher was the only Austrian male skier to win a race in the entire season, and scored 30.9% (1,795 out of 5,804) of the Austrian men's nations cup points.
On 13 November in Levi, Finland, Hirscher won the first slalom of the 2017 season and equalled Pirmin Zurbriggen's win total of 40, putting him equal 5th in the standings. He also achieved his 93rd podium, surpassing Benjamin Raich's total. On 18 December he won the fourth giant slalom of the season in Alta Badia having finished second in the three preceding giant slalom races, equalling Alberto Tomba's 4 wins at the venue, and with it became the 5th most successful male World Cup winner. On 7 January Hirscher achieved his 100th podium from 191 starts (a ratio of 52.3%) with a 2nd-place finish in the giant slalom in Adelboden. On 29 January Hirscher won the GS in Garmisch, achieving his 20th GS and 43rd World Cup win, and with it attained Austria's 100th GS win for men.[16]
At the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2017 in St. Moritz, Switzerland Hirscher won gold in the GS and slalom, and silver in the combined, missing the gold by just 0.01 seconds. He was the most successful athlete at the championships.
On 4 March in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, Hirscher won his third GS race of the season and with it secured his 4th GS World Cup title and his 6th overall World Cup title; the only male skier in history to do so.[17] One day later Hirscher finished fourth in the slalom and with it secured his fourth World Cup slalom title.[18]
The start of the 2018 season was expected to be more difficult as Hirscher suffered a fracture to his left ankle during the first day of snow training on 17 August. Fortunately the first race of the season in Sölden was cancelled due to high winds, giving Hirscher a few more weeks to recover. He made a last minute decision to race the slalom in Levi on 12 November and achieved a 17th-place finish. The next technical race was the GS in Val d'Isère on 9 December and Hirscher came 3rd. He won the slalom the next day.
On 17 December 2017, he won the giant slalom race in Alta Badia, which was his fifth consecutive victory in that location, surpassing Ivica Kostelić, who won the Kitzbühelcombined 4 times in a row.
On 4 January 2018, Hirscher achieved his 5th win of the season in the slalom in Zagreb and with it his 50th World Cup win, matching the total of legendary technical racer Alberto Tomba. Two days later Hirscher achieved his sixth win of the season by winning the GS in Adelboden and moved to 3rd overall in the men's World Cup winners rankings. The next day he won the slalom in Adelboden. On 23 January, with his 9th win of the season in the Schladming night slalom, Hirscher equalled his compatriot Austrian ski legend Hermann Maier's 54 World Cup victories. It was the 500th World Cup win for Austrian men. On 28 January Hirscher moved to second overall in the men's World Cup winners rankings by winning the GS in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
At the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, Hirscher won gold in the men's combined event, his first competition of the games.
The win was not expected, as he had done little downhill training as a result of the pre season ankle injury.[19] 5 days later he went on to win gold in the GS by 1.27 seconds, the biggest winning margin in Olympic GS since the 1968 Winter Olympics.[20][21]
Following the Olympics, the World Cup technical races resumed in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia on 3 March with the GS. Hirscher secured the GS crystal globe for the 5th time by winning the race with a winning margin of 1.66 seconds. The following day, Hirscher also won the slalom with a winning margin of 1.22 seconds. As a result, he also won the slalom crystal globe for the 5th time, and the overall crystal globe for the seventh time in succession with 2 technical races remaining. His Olympic gold medals plus the additional crystal globes enabled him to reach the top of the standings in the greatest alpine skiers of all time men's super ranking. At the end of the slalom race, Hirscher said on Austrian television that he would go home "and consider where the journey will go. I don't know if I will be skiing World Cup next season".
At the World Cup finals in Åre, Hirscher won the GS race on 17 March and equaled the record of most wins in a single season: he shares the record of 13 wins with alpine skiing legends Ingemar Stenmark and Hermann Maier. Unfortunately, the following day the slalom race was cancelled due to high winds, denying Hirscher the opportunity to obtain the record outright. Hirscher has started 245 World Cup races, has won 67 of them, (a ratio of 27%) has achieved 138 podiums (a ratio of 56%) and has finished 73% of his races in the Top 10.[22]
In December 2018 Hirscher became Austria's most prolific World Cup race winner when he won a slalom in Saalbach-Hinterglemm in his native state of Salzburg, his 63rd World Cup victory, taking him past the previous record holder Annemarie Moser-Pröll.[23] He took a total of 14 World Cup wins in 2018, breaking the previous record for most World Cup race wins in a single calendar year set by Ingemar Stenmark, but was eclipsed by Mikaela Shiffrin, who set a new record by winning 15 World Cup events during 2018.[24] He was named as a L'Équipe Champion of Champions for 2018, as well as Eurosport's Sportsman of the Year.[6]
On 13 January 2019 he won the slalom race in Adelboden and celebrated a 9th World Cup win and a 16th podium, a record among male athletes at a single resort.[25] At the 2019 Alpine World Ski Championships in Åre in February, Hirscher took a silver in the giant slalom behind Henrik Kristoffersen, before winning the slalom by 0.65 seconds after holding a 0.56 second lead from the first run: Hirscher described his first run as one of the best performances of his career. He led teammates Michael Matt and Marco Schwarz in a clean sweep of the podium places, taking Austria's only gold of the championships, and preventing them from leaving a Worlds without a gold medal for the first time since 1987. It was Hirscher's seventh World Championship gold, tying him with compatriot Toni Sailer for the record number of Worlds golds won. Hirscher subsequently told the media that he would assess his future at the end of the season, but also stated that he thought that these were his last Worlds.[26]
On 4 September 2019, Marcel Hirscher announced his retirement from alpine skiing.[27][28] After his retirement, Hirscher was a presenter for an Austrian TV show.[29] Despite videos of him training in a racing suit that circulated in December 2020, Hirscher insisted that he was not returning to competitive skiing.[30]
In 2021 Hirscher developed and launched a brand of skis called Van Deer, that was later renamed to Van Deer-Red Bull in a partnership with Red Bull. The brand debuted competitively in the 2022–23 World Cup season, however due to the involvement of Red Bull in the new brand logo, there is currently an ongoing dispute between FIS and Van Deer-Red Bull about representing the brand in the official entries and results, and the brand logo is covered up by black tape during the events.[31] Despite the disagreement, Hirscher's brand has quickly achieved success with former rival Henrik Kristoffersen, who scored a podium in the opening race at Sölden using the skis and earned Van Deer-Red Bull's first victory in Garmisch-Partenkirchen later in the season.[32]
On 24 April 2024 Hirscher announced he's planning a comeback to the FIS Alpine World Cup circuit competing for the Netherlands.[33]
World Cup results
Hirscher during the giant slalom in Garmisch-PartenkirchenMarcel Hirscher with Stefan Illek, Michael Pircher, Josef Percht and Ferdinand HirscherHirscher at the gala for the Austrian Sportspersonalities of the Year 2015
1 Including both parallel slalom and parallel giant slalom. Two parallel events have been classified in the sk-db.com results as classic events (the City Event slalom on 23/02/16 and the parallel GS on 18/12/17). They are shown here as parallel events.
Hirscher is a dual citizen of the Netherlands and Austria as he was born to a Dutch mother Sylvia (nee De Vlieg) and an Austrian father Ferdinand who met on a ski holiday in Austria.[34]
In June 2018, Hirscher married Laura Moisl, his long-time girlfriend. On 7 October 2018, they celebrated the birth of their first child, a son.[35][36] On 1 August 2021, the Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung reported that the couple, who have two children together, had separated after twelve years.[37]